Parents' Guide to

Follow the Rules

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Rap-family reality features laughs, strong language.

TV MTV Reality TV 2015
Follow the Rules Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

FOLLOW THE RULES stars Jeff Atkins, aka actor and Grammy-award winning rapper Ja Rule, and his family as they live their hectic day-to-day lives in suburban New Jersey. Along with his wife Aisha, they are raising their eldest daughter, Brittney, who has just returned from her first year of college, and sons Jeff Jr. and Jordy. Also living with the family are the children's grandmothers, Grandma Jean and Grandma Deb. From Britt's constant attempts to push the boundaries to Grandma Deb teaching Grandma Jean how to drive, there's never a dull moment for the loving clan.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This series follows the expected reality formula of semi-celebrity, family-themed reality shows, with a little more fun in the mix. As a result, it features lots of lighthearted moments, most of which are a result of events that have been clearly staged to create drama or for comedic effect.

Overall, the show offers some positive messages about the importance of family. And, unlike some family reality shows, the adults do establish some boundaries around their children. It's not very original, but Ja Rule fans will probably find it entertaining.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons why a celebrity would feature his family in a reality series. Is it for fame? Money? Or is there a message he wants to send to the world? Do you think these families behave in the same way when the cameras aren't rolling?

  • Would you ever want to appear on a reality show? Why, or why not?

TV Details

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